Named the "Best Blog" by Parent & Child Magazine, this popular mom blog chronicles the wonderful mundaneness of a Philadelphia stay-at-home mom's life with four small children including twins in episodic form. Recurrent topics include adoption, multiples, Fifth Disease, Crohn's Disease and pregnancy, and academia.

January 31, 2009

The Meanest Mom Makes the News!

Last month, Bob Buckley from Fox 8 News in Greensboro, North Carolina invited me to do an interview about my blog. Despite a slight concern that I would be portrayed as Cruella De Vil, I eagerly accepted the invite with the hope that the experience would A) be fun B) include clips that I might be able to show at my kids' wedding receptions in 20 years.

I was not disappointed! This was my first--and unless my kids rob a 7-11 when they are teenagers--probably last time on camera. Mr. Buckley and his cameraman Stewart Pittman were extraordinarily nice and unbelievably professional, especially given the circumstances (my kids were all over them). We filmed in North Carolina (where I used to live) a few weeks ago and the story aired last night:

It's another thought... it's not the angelic behavior that you look back and remember fondly when your children are adults... it's the time they got drunk off the box of wine, and when you let them dress their baby brother up in girls clothes that will have you laughing when you're 80.

Make sure you publish your blogs in a Blurb.com book for your family ( just incase you don't already have plans for a major publication/humiliation for your children in the future!) LOL

Jana... As Chaucer would have it, "Thou rockest." I love the whole "She has her PhD in medieval literature, but what stay at home mom doesn't..." We all want to be you when we grow up. ;) And do you really think lots of people are too lazy to be parents? Cuz I'd love to hear some expounding on that...

Whoa! You're famous! I feel slightly famous now just because I know you. Except.....I really don't know you. But your kids are even more adorable on video than in the pictures! Cameron looked soooo cute! (And u looked great too!)

You looked fantastic! I loved how you said that your were tired of how some people talk about their children and how perfect they are. I agree! My best friend does this all the time. It drives me crazy.

That's awesome Jana! I was watching it and my husband was not at all interested until he heard "The Meanest Mom Blog" then he leaned over to see what I was watching. I think he's impressed one of the blogs I read made the news ;)

Rock on for being willing to be the bad guy! Love the PhD- I get random people asking me if I "wished I had gone to college" (or worse) Um, excuse me? I've started telling rude people that the gov't PAYS me to breed.

Heck yeah!!! I think your blog is so hilarious, I have now demanded of every person in my family, and everyone else I have ever met, that they must go read your blog. Often my husband hears me guffawing from the other room. Anyway, it was rockin' awesome to see the family behind the blog!!!Melanie

Finally, a dose of honesty in a blog about parenting! Fantastic job on the news story. The world needs you, and the people who are sending you that hate mail? It's only because they are afraid of being exposed as un-perfect parents with un-perfect kids. I do not have kids yet, but I truly appreciate the clever antics and positive/honest attitude you maintain through it all. Best wishes!!!

That was awesome to see. You are officially famous! heeheeeee! It was nice to see you and your little ones in action!!! heeeeeee! It has been about 7 months or so since I have been following your blog, and I have to say that your postings are almost addicting. I love the humor as well as the common feeling of having 4 children and also being considered a Mean Mom by my own off-spring. I always blog the cute and the happy and the silly...I really need to blog the ugly as well, I am just not as creative as you. I am sure after this news report you are going to be even more famous. Watch out! Just don't forget about your old faithful and loyal followers...now that you will be getting new ones! heeheheeee! Take care and I hope all is well....P.S My husband reads your blog more than I do, it is really cute to see him get excited about one posting and takes me to the computer to read it. Thanks for the many laughs and wonderful other feelings your blog brings.

Admittedly this is a bit of a mutual admiration society, but I want to completely echo the comments of Mrs. Morty. You are the bomb and I embrace and mirror your philosophy on parenting. Thank you for miraculously finding time to post regularly--I feel like I'm reading about my own life, though I've only got 3 (4, 2.5 and 1). It's pure pleasure and therapy.

Keep up the great work--with the kids and the blog.

BTW, You should also know that I will stalk you for an autographed copy of your first book. :)

Finally, the recognition you deserve. Way to go Jana! When will this appear on CNN? hahaha..it is def CNN worthy! That was great stuff. You should be very proud of yourself. Hopefully this will bring you even more "fans"! Keep up the great posts!!

Way to cool! You did fabulous.. I would have been a babbling idiot, don't do well with all eyes on me. Totally bummed I wasn't informed that the meanest mom herself was to appear in NC! LOL Shouldn't they announce that on the news like when the president comes to town? ;)Now all you need is your own TLC show!

Way to go! Loved the piece and I love your attitude about parenting! Whenever my kids call me "Meanie Mommy" I respond, "That's right, I went to Meanie Mommy school and graduated at the top of my class!" It makes them crazy and I love every minute of it! :)

sirnetia I for one think that we have to be smarter than our kids when it comes to discipline. Once they say those dreaded words "your the meanest mom ever or I hate you ". Then you should pat yourself on the back cause now your doing a good job.